Weights & Measures

Schuyler, Yates and Chemung Counties Weights & Measures Department

The Schuyler, Yates and Chemung Counties Weights and Measures Department is mandated by the State of New York and is responsible for assuring measurement and pricing accuracy in the marketplace.

In Accordance with Article 16 and related New York State Agriculture and Markets Law, the department promotes equity and fairness in all consumer transactions involving weight, measure, count or pricing. Schuyler County, effective January 30, 2015 (Yates) and January 1, 2010 (Chemung) have entered into an inter-municipal (shared service) agreement.

The weights and measures program is important to ensure confidence and fairness in the marketplace. The old Latin saying "caveat emptor" or "let the buyer beware" needs the effort of the Weights and Measures Department to protect both the buyer and the business owner. The buyer is assured that they get what they pay for and the business owner is assured of a marketplace based on fair competition.

Mission

The mission of the New York State Bureau of Weights and Measures and the Schuyler, Yates & Chemung County Weights and Measures Department is to promote equity in all commercial transactions based on weight or measure.

Inspected & Tested Commercial Devices

Weights and Measures annually inspects and tests all commercially used weighing and measuring devices for both accuracy and proper operation. NYS certified weights and measuring devices are used during these testing procedures. Some examples of inspected and tested commercial devices include:

Petroleum Quality Program

Schuyler, Yates and Chemung Counties Weights and Measures also participates in the New York State Petroleum Quality Program. This involves collecting gasoline and diesel fuel samples yearly, on a random basis, throughout Schuyler, Yates and Chemung Counties. These samples are then sent to an independent contract laboratory for chemical testing and analysis. These tests assure that the fuel purchased by the consumer meets all appropriate quality / octane standards and that fuel dispensers are properly labeled.

Inspection Seals

The next time you are at the grocery store or gas station, take a minute to notice the date stamped blue or yellow weights and measures inspection seal on the computing scale or fuel pump. This seal indicates that the device has been inspected, tested, and is accurate. Most importantly, it guarantees that you are getting what you pay for.

Certified Standards - Equipment, Weights & Measurement Devices

All official test weights and measuring devices used by Weights and Measures must be recertified by the New York State Weights and Measures Laboratory in Albany.

Questions / Complaints

Weights and Measures will respond to consumer questions or complaints regarding short weight / measure or motor vehicle fuel quality by investigation and / or testing as the situation demands. If you have questions or comments, please contact the office.